Special Programs and Academic Opportunities

Intellectual and Personal Growth that Extends Far Beyond the Classroom

Lady in Classroom One of the strengths of a Colorado Mesa University education is student engagement. It combines the best of a classroom education with opportunities to apply that learning in a laboratory, the workplace, the region or the world. Whether the experience is completing an internship, clinical placement, or student teaching; by participating in programs like study abroad or the Honors program, an undergraduate education is vastly enriched.

Honors Program

As a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council, Colorado Mesa University's Academic Honors program offers promising and highly-motivated students opportunities for enhanced intellectual stimulation and increased personal scholarship as they fulfill requirements for their degree programs. Honors courses offered each semester, special activities offered at the Honors House, and the option to write an Honors Thesis enable students to contribute to their own learning at a level beyond what is normally required by most college courses. Each year the University's Honors Program students participate in the regional and national Collegiate Honors Conference.
Learn more coloradomesa.edu/honors/

Study Abroad

At Colorado Mesa University we understand the value of an international study experience to help students succeed in today's complex and interconnected world. Over the past several years, faculty have led students, alumni, and community members on tours and/or research opportunities to China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Japan, Germany, and Spain. Colorado Mesa University is also a member of the International Student Exchange Program, allowing students to pay CMU tuition while studying abroad for a semester or academic year. This program allows students to immerse themselves in global academic experiences located in one of 50 countries around the world. For more information, go to coloradomesa.edu/academics/isep.html

National Student Exchange

Through the National Student Exchange program Colorado Mesa University students can attend another school, in a different part of the country, and pay the same tuition as they do at Colorado Mesa University. Exchange opportunities are available from the combined resources of more than 190 campuses, including exchange locations in three U.S. territories, the District of Columbia, and six Canadian provinces. Learn more coloradomesa.edu/nse/index.html

Internships, Fieldwork, Clinicals, and Student Teaching

Nearly all programs place practical training at the center of students' learning through internships, fieldwork, student teaching, or clinical practice. Learn more about exact degree requirements at coloradomesa.edu/academics

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

An average of more than $1 million in external funds is obtained annually to support research and other scholarly activities at Colorado Mesa University. While our focus on teaching will never waver, undergraduates have the unique opportunity to engage in research alongside faculty members - a feature often found only in graduate programs. Research opportunities include explorations that lead to the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge, the development of new applications of existing knowledge, the development of new paradigms for teaching and learning, and the related creative activities in the fine arts.

Credit for Prior Learning

Colorado Mesa University recognizes that students may have gained college-level knowledge and competencies through their work and life experiences that can be incorporated into their academic programs. Consequently, the University offers a portfolio assessment process by which prior learning can be analyzed, articulated, documented, and assessed for credit. Learn more at coloradomesa.edu/eso/pla.html

Academic Resources and Support

At Colorado Mesa University, we take great pride in providing educational tools that help students succeed. From classrooms to research laboratories to theatres and athletic fields we've got some of the best state-of-the art facilities. Whether you need help studying for an exam, guidance on career selection or assistance in the library, Colorado Mesa University is here to help you succeed.